Okay, I tried to keep my mind on work and not check the board but I just can't help it. And this topic is an especially interesting one. The responses so far are well thought out, so I don't know how much I could add, but here goes:

1) Position - for example, thin, whippy implements tend to do a better job when the bottom's skin is stretched out. Bending over, arching the butt up etc.

2) Individual comfort level. - I don't think there is just one specific implement that does it for everyone. For example, a good caning or wide strap can put me into a very happy place quickly, but most of my spankees fear those worse than death. However, a light, palm sized brush makes me climb the walls.

3) technique - high velocity, rapid succession. This is where us guys tend to fail. Many of us try to use strength as the key to spanking, when in fact it is precision and speed.

4) area of the bottom - the fleshier parts sting more in my opinion. You should always be spanking on fleshy parts, of course, but mid cheek down is the right area

For sting though, I think we can agree....high surface area relative to weight (brushes, thin paddles, tawse).

Try Capsaisin cream about 10 minutes before delivering the punishment. It hurts as much as the spanking itself! With the two combined, you will have both a very remorseful and willingly receptive spankee begging for more. Over the knee is a must as stretched skin is much more receptive to the sting that the spanks are intended to produce.

My wife starts with making me bend over the arm of the sofa ... bare botton elevated ....she begins with her bare hand until I am "nice and pink" then she ... takes a break and verbally scolds me while soothing my bottom with baby oil ... then I get a predetermined number of whacks with an over sized wooden ping pong paddle ... that thing stings like hell!